Bob Huggins became Walsh's head coach in 1980
and promptly turned the Cavs into a NAIA power in three short
years. After a 14-16 finish in his first year, Huggins guided the
Cavs to a 23-9 finish and a Mid-Ohio Conference title, Walsh's
first, in 1981-82. His third and final year on the Walsh sidelines
was a season to remember. Walsh won all 30 regular season games and
finished second in the Final A.P. Poll to Chaminade University, who
upset Ralph Sampson and the University of Virginia that same
season. In 1982-83, Walsh would win its second straight MOC crown
and first-ever NAIA District 22 championship to advance to
Kansas City, Missouri and the NAIA Championships for the first time
at 34-0, the Nation's only undefeated team at any level. Walsh's
dream of a national championship ended at the Kemper Arena, when
they fell 65-63 to Salem College on a last second shot. Huggins was
named MOC of the Year for the second straight time, along with
being named District 22 Coach of the Year and Area VI Coach of the
Year. He left Walsh as the all-time winningest coach at 71-26.